Extension device for a palm sander

ABSTRACT

An extension device for palm sanders, consisting of a rigid extension, on which is mounted a housing. The sander fits into a recess in the housing and is held in place by a pair of clamps, mounted on the housing. The housing contains a remotely operated lever, which controls the speed of the sander, by depressing the sanders own speed control. This lever is linked to another lever, which is located at the end of the extension opposite the housing. This configuration then allows the operator to control the sander&#39;s function while also extending his reach. The device allows the operator to safely sand large objects or structures that would otherwise require extensive use of ladders and scaffolds, thus preventing undue hazards to the worker. The sander is at anytime detachable and requires no alteration in order to attach it to the device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to pneumatically powered palm sanders, specifically is an extension for use with the common types of ergonomically designed palm sanders.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0002] Pneumatic or air powered palm sanders are well known and widely used in many aspects of refinish work, in a multitude of industries. They are usually made in either dual action or random orbital types and are ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the palm of the users hand. Palm sanders typically comprise a lightweight housing that contains the inner workings of the device. On the bottom of the sander is located a round pad, to which is affixed sanding media. The inner workings of the device communicates with the sanding pad in such a way that when air is released through the tool, the sanding pad then oscillates in such a way as to facilitate a sanding action. A round grip is located at the top of the housing, onto which is affixed the sanders speed control. The device further comprises an inlet for air and an exhaust port.

[0003] Palm sanders are much more compact than traditional dual action type sanders. They are designed to be less cumbersome and are comprised of much lighter materials. Because of their small, lightweight nature and the relative ease with which they are used, palm sanders are commonly found in industries where large objects are resurfaced. Palm sanders can commonly be found in paint and body shops that cater not only to cars but also to large trucks, boats and planes.

[0004] It would therefore be advantageous to provide a means for extending the operators reach while still retaining full control of the sander. Such a device would facilitate a safer and more comfortable means of sanding large objects, other than complex systems of scaffolds and ladders.

[0005] Similar devices in the prior art have been provided here, one such is U.S. Pat. No. 5,546,749, to Couchee. Disclosed therein is an extension for use with pneumatic nailers. This device comprises a jointed, tubular extension that is affixed to the nailer. It further includes a trigger device and handle that releases air through the device, to the tool. When the trigger is depressed, air is released down the length of the device to the tool, which then causes the nailer to fire.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,926,913, to Hernandez et al, entails another extension for use with a pneumatic tool, this one comprising an elongated body and a sleeve for coupling the tool to the device. The device is conceived primarily for use with air ratchets and similarly designed pneumatic hand tools. It is devised to extend the operators reach and access into small, confined spaces.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,696, to Canale describes a telescoping extension for household appliances. This device shows a telescoping extension designed to extend an operators reach when using common appliances, such as vacuum cleaners. It is devised primarily to allow an operator to reach high places with small, electrical appliance. The patent pertains mostly to the telescoping nature of the device and does not apply itself to pneumatic tools.

[0008] Thus there exists a need for an extension device specifically designed for ergonomically designed palm sanders. Such a device would extend the operators reach as well as provide a safer and quicker means of sanding large objects, thus limiting or doing away with the need for ladders and scaffolds.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes presently contemplated by the inventors of carrying out their invention. Various modifications, however, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined herein.

[0010] Referring now to the drawn figures, there is shown generally in FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the extension device configured specifically for use with ergonomically designed, pneumatically powered palm sanders. The rigid extension 5 consists of a tubular shaft, being hollow in nature, preferably fabricated from lightweight materials such as aluminum or compound plastics. Affixed to the extension 5, is the housing 6 which is consists of similar, lightweight materials and is fabricated to include a recessed area 13 (shown in detail at FIG. 2) to accommodate easy insertion of a pneumatically powered palm sander 14. Affixed to the housing are two restraining clamps 7, designed to work in conjunction with the recessed area 13 to secure the sander 14 in its operating position. The known clamps are simply flipped up, applying pressure to the sander 14 so as to safely secure it to the housing 6 of the device.

[0011] The sander 14 is shown inserted into the housing 6 in FIGS. 3 and 4, once properly secured, the sanders function is then controlled by means of applying pressure to the sanders own speed control lever 15. This pressure is applied by a pivoting lever 8, which is mounted inside a narrow channel cut into the top center of the housing 6. This lever is controlled by a cable 9 which pulls the pivoting lever 8 and causes a downward pressure to be applied to the sanders own speed control lever 15. The cable 9 is moved by means of a control lever 10. When the control lever 10 is then depressed, it remotely controls the function of the sander 14. The control lever 10 is attached to the extension 5. The cable 9 is then routed inside the extension 5 from the pivoting lever 8 to the control lever 10. The control lever 10 is a known type of lever and is preferably fashioned from such lightweight materials as to afford durability, ease of operation and comfort.

[0012] An ergonomically designed stability handle 12 is fastened approximately mid-way between the two ends of the extension 5. It is a known item and is preferably made of a lightweight plastic to afford comfort as well as to enhance control of the device during operation. It is fastened so that it may be repositioned to suit the operator's specific needs. In addition, the handle is outfitted with a rubberized grip 11 to enhance comfort while operating.

[0013] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, in which are shown the recessed area 13 of the housing 6, both with and without a sander 14 attached. The known clamps 7 are shown in operating position to properly secure the sander 14 to the housing 6. FIG. 3 shows the pivoting lever 8 at rest against the sanders own speed control lever 15. The pivoting lever 8 then causes the operation of the sander 14 as described above. The pneumatically powered sander 14 is coupled to a known air hose by means of a known air fitting 16 which is at all times affixed to the sander.

[0014] To operate, one simply attaches a known air hose to the sanders air fitting 16, then inserts the sander 14 into the recessed area of the housing 13. The operator then closes the known clamps 7 to secure the sander 14 to the housing 6. The operator then grips the device with either hand at the handle and places his/her other hand at the stability handle 12. Once the operator has the device in hand, he/she then depresses the control lever 10, which enables remote operation of the pneumatic palm sander 14.

[0015] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the above-described preferred embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1—

[0017] Is a fragmentary view showing the preferred embodiment of the extension device configured specifically for known, pneumatically operated palm sanders.

[0018]FIG. 2—

[0019] Is a bottom plan view showing the recessed area of the housing, designed to accommodate known, pneumatically powered palm sanders.

[0020]FIG. 3—

[0021] Is a cut-away view of the housing, showing the device with a known pneumatically operated palm sander inserted into operating position.

[0022]FIG. 4—

[0023] Is a side elevation view with a known pneumatically operated palm sander in operating position. 

What we claim as our invention is: 1- A device comprising a lightweight housing, fabricated with a recessed pocket to facilitate easy insertion and removal of a palm sander, and further comprising a rigid, tubular extension being fixed length in nature. 2- The housing of claim 1, further comprising a pair of clamps mounted to said housing. When used in conjunction with said housing, this prevents accidental release of sander during operation. 3- The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a remote control apparatus consisting of a pivoting lever connected to a remote control lever by means of a cable, which extends down the length of the extension. When the remote lever is then depressed it causes the pivoting lever to operate the sanders speed function, effectively extending the operators reach. 